Lee (barbara bel geddes, best known for dallas) thought she had found her prince, but having all that jewelry didn't bring her the happiness she thought it would. So she leaves him for a better life. Wikipedia tells us the new yorker called this story a reference to howard hughes. Known for being rich, controlling, and tempermental. Lee's husband smith clearly has control issues and abandonment issues. But there aren't meds yet to deal with these. And, of course, in those days, people looked the other way when husbands were violent with their wives. Especially the wealthy. Lee worked up the courage to leave him once. But now things are more complicated. Can she ever break free of smith? Huge co-stars. James mason, robert ryan, and of course, mrs. Howell (natalie schafer). A lot going on in this one. It's good, but directed by max ophuls. Died young at 54.
